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pic::Apple, Microsoft and BlackBerry have been offering online utilities, namely Find My iPhone, BlackBerry Protect, and Find My Phone, respectively, that let owners of phones track the location of their handsets, lock them, trigger an alarm and wipe data remotely, for a long time.

Soon after a Kiwi entrepreneur developed a novel smartphone app that can monitor users’ outdoor activities and ensure they get home safe, Google has come out with a new tool that will let users track their lost Android phones on a map. Not just track, the user can even ring and remotely erase all the data on the phone.

Apple, Microsoft and BlackBerry have been offering online utilities, namely Find My iPhone, BlackBerry Protect, and Find My Phone, respectively, that let owners of phones track the location of their handsets, lock them, trigger an alarm and wipe data remotely, for a long time. Google is late to the party. However, making the utility a part of Android would benefit a large number of users. Handset makers like Samsung and HTC already offer similar tools with their Android phones – yes, Google did not offer the same on its own phones! Sony had also started rolling out its remote security service “my Xperia,” in July.

While third-party services offered by companies like McAfee, Norton, Quickheal and Kaspersky, among others also offer mobile security services, they charge users for the service.

In a post on the official Google blog, Benjamin Poiesz, an Android project manager, wrote, “Android Device Manager can help (you)… keep your device and the data you store inside your phone safe and secure.”

Android Device Manager will allow users to make their misplaced phone ring at its loudest volume even if it is in silent mode. However, users will be able to do this through Android Device Manager, website though Google said that it would also offer an Android app for the service at a later date.

In case you have lost your phone outside your house you will be able to see the device on a map if it is switched on and follow it in real-time. It may help you recover the phone. But in case it can’t be recovered, Android Device Manager will allow users to wipe it securely so that the private data doesn’t fall in wrong hands.

“While losing your phone can be stressful, Android Device Manager can help you keep your data from ending up in the wrong hands,” wrote Poiesz.